EmPower+ — No-Cost Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Income-Eligible New Yorkers
The EmPower+ program, administered by NYSERDA, provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions to income-eligible New York homeowners and renters. Nearly 256,000 households statewide are already saving energy and lowering their utility bills through EmPower+ — without spending a dime.
Whether you own your home or rent, Energy Savers Inc. can help determine if your home qualifies for free energy upgrades, which may include:
- Replacement of old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers
- A professional home energy assessment to identify the most impactful improvements
- Installation of high-efficiency lighting
- Attic and wall insulation to improve comfort and reduce energy waste
Income Eligibility for EmPower+
EmPower+ eligibility is generally available to households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Income limits vary by county and household size.
EmPower+ Income Eligibility Guidelines (Current Reference)
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Gross Annual Income |
| 1 | $3,322 | $39,864 |
| 2 | $4,345 | $52,140 |
| 3 | $5,367 | $64,404 |
| 4 | $6,390 | $76,680 |
| 5 | $7,412 | $88,944 |
| 6 | $8,434 | $101,208 |
| 7 | $8,626 | $103,512 |
| 8 | $8,818 | $105,816 |
| 9 | $9,010 | $108,120 |
| 10 | $9,201 | $110,412 |
Expanded Rebates Through the Inflation Reduction Act (HEAR Program)
For income-eligible households, federal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) funding — delivered through EmPower+ — has expanded the incentives available for electrification and efficiency upgrades.
Low-income, single-family households are eligible for no-cost energy efficiency improvements capped at $10,000 per project.
Moderate-income single-family households are eligible for no-cost energy efficiency improvements capped at $5,000 per project.
Eligible households may qualify for rebates up to the following amounts:
- Air sealing, insulation, and ventilation: up to $1,600
- Electrical service upgrade (panel): up to $4,000
- Electrical wiring upgrades: up to $2,500
- Heat pump water heaters: up to $1,750
- Heat pump heating & cooling systems: up to $8,000
Rebate amounts depend on household eligibility and the scope of work.
NYS Clean Heat Program — Save on Heat Pump Installation
The NYS Clean Heat Program helps New Yorkers switch to high-efficiency heat pumps for heating, cooling, and hot water — reducing energy use while improving comfort.
Rebates are available for:
- Air-source heat pumps (ductless and ducted)
- Air-to-water heat pumps
- Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
Most Clean Heat incentives are designed for full-load heating systems, meaning the heat pump is sized to meet most or all of your home’s heating needs.
Who Qualifies for Clean Heat Rebates?
To qualify for Clean Heat incentives through NYSEG, National Grid or RG&E:
- You must be replacing an existing furnace, boiler, or water heater
You must be an NYSEG, National Grid or RG&E electric customer, or a combined electric + natural gas customer
(Natural-gas-only customers do not qualify)
Federal Tax Credits for Insulation & HVAC Upgrades
Important 2026 Update
Homeowners who completed qualifying energy efficiency improvements through December 31, 2025 may be eligible for the Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (IRC §25C).
The credit allowed homeowners to claim:
- 30% of eligible project costs, up to:
- $1,200 annually for insulation, air sealing, and qualifying HVAC upgrades
- An additional $2,000 for qualifying heat pump systems
- $1,200 annually for insulation, air sealing, and qualifying HVAC upgrades
Important:
This federal tax credit does not apply to improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025. Homeowners should consult a qualified tax professional to determine eligibility for past upgrades.
Contact our team to discuss more rebates and incentives still available today
